Blog

2023 Year in Review

As 2023 winds down to a close, we reflect on a year of progress and accomplishments made possible by the continuous support from our collaborators and partners around the world.   We are pleased to share 12 highlights from across the institute, which span the […]

IVI hosts a Cholera Vaccine Research Day on the 10th anniversary of the creation of the oral cholera vaccine global stockpile

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the World Health Organization’s creation of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) global stockpile, managed by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) to help prevent and control outbreaks of cholera. However, the current supply is not nearly sufficient to keep […]

Fostering cooperation in the ASEAN region and establishing a strong vaccine ecosystem: A conversation with NVI Fellow Nattaya Anurutphan

On November 8, 2023, IVI and the National Vaccine Institute of Thailand (NVI) signed a Partnership Agreement, an extension of the Definitive Agreement from 2022 that outlines collaborative vaccine R&D activities and capacity-building programs, including the secondment of NVI staff members to IVI headquarters. This […]

ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR): Equitable access to quality vaccines on an affordable and timely basis

In recent years, the importance of vaccine has been highlighted. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the capacity gaps of many countries, including those within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), when it comes to ensuring timely access to vaccines. Like other regions, ASEAN has recognized […]

Making the case for the use of typhoid conjugate vaccine in Madagascar: A decade-long collaboration between IVI and the University of Antananarivo

10 years ago, typhoid fever was not a public health issue in Madagascar—or so it seemed. With non-specific symptoms common to a host of other febrile or gastrointestinal illnesses and the need for blood culture sampling to make a definitive diagnosis, the potentially life-threatening bacterial […]

IVI-WHO Consultation on Salmonella Combination Vaccines

On December 4, IVI and the World Health Organization co-hosted a joint consultation on the sidelines of the 13th International Conference on Typhoid & Other Invasive Salmonelloses in Kigali, Rwanda. The event was organized by the iNTS FVVA project team, a joint project between IVI […]

Dr. Richard Mahoney talks about the early days of IVI and his recently published memoir

“The International Vaccine Institute – The early days: A personal perspective,” a memoir written by Dr. Richard Mahoney, has been published just in time for IVI’s 26th anniversary.   Dr. Richard Mahoney played a pivotal role in the management of the Children's Vaccine Initiative (CVI) […]

Growing and building together for sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa

In a united effort to ensure sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa, an IVI delegation, led by Director General Dr. Jerome Kim and Deputy DG Dr. Florian Marks, had an official visit to Ghana from August 28th to 30th, 2023.   During the visit, they engaged […]

Vaccination is a community achievement: the faces of a typhoid conjugate vaccine campaign in Fiji

“A vaccination campaign requires a lot of manpower and resources, not only from the health personnel but from the communities as well,” says Dr. Alumita Vuakanisakea. She is the in-country Project Lead of the Typhoid in Fiji – Vaccination towards Elimination (Ty-FIVE) project. On July […]

Vaccination towards elimination: protecting communities in Fiji’s Northern Division from typhoid

As we walk through the courtyard, students on their way to class hold up their pinky fingers stained with purple ink. This gesture, usually followed by a smile, has become an island-wide symbol of being vaccinated against typhoid. I show my inked pinky in return. […]

Prof. Seung-Il Shin’s memoir retraces IVI’s early history

"The Origins of The International Vaccine Institute – A Personal History," a memoir written by Prof. Seung-Il Shin, has been published, shedding light on the remarkable journey that led to the birth of IVI.   Prof. Shin, who was behind the concept of IVI, played […]

2023 June GTH-B course | ‘This training has helped my dreams come true’

More than 180 participants from over 40 countries complete ‘2023 Introductory Course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing’ to receive the certificate East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM) supported 15 trainees for travel from EAC […]

Inside the GTH-B trainings at KEMRI in Nairobi and IPD in Dakar

A core feature of the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (GTH-B) program is providing training and consulting services on-site at vaccine research institutes and manufacturing facilities in low- and middle-income countries. IVI conducted the first of these sessions with Incepta in Bangladesh last year followed […]

IVI, Korea’s GDEF hand over renovated microbiology laboratory in Nepal to enhance cholera surveillance

IVI and the Global Disease Eradication Fund (GDEF), Republic of Korea, are implementing the Enhancing Cholera Control in Nepal and Mozambique (ECHO) project from 2020 to March 2025. As part of the ECHO project, IVI has remodeled a microbiology laboratory at Seti Provincial Hospital in […]

GVIRF 2023 | A forum for vaccine research and innovation to drive Immunization Agenda 2030

IVI co-organized the fifth Global Vaccine and Immunization Research Forum (GVIRF), a biennial event hosted by WHO, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID/NIH), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to track progress and discuss obstacles related to priority vaccine research and […]

Celebrating Women in Vaccines | International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual UN observance day highlighting the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) around the world and advocating for their equal access to, and leadership in, such fields. Along with our partner […]

Developing vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa, the Global VAX Workshop

The Global Vax Vaccine Manufacturing Workshop, hosted by USP’s Promoting the Quality of Medicines Plus (PQM+) program with support from USAID in Cape Town, brought together delegates from more than 21 countries and 18 different organizations to build manufacturing and regulatory competencies in Africa.   […]

IVI people honored by Korea for contributions to Global Vaccine Hub Initiative, infectious diseases education

Dr. So Jung An, research scientist at the Vaccine Process Department at IVI’s Science Unit, and Dr. Byoung Shik Shim, research scientist at the Science Unit received the Korean Health and Welfare Minister’s Prize for their contributions to the Korea Global Vaccine Hub initiative on […]

2022 Year in Review

As 2022 draws to a close, IVI reflects on the progress, partnerships, and new initiatives that made this year—IVI’s 25th anniversary—a memorable one.   For our Year in Review, we rounded up 12 highlights from across the institute, including the approval of two new vaccines […]

Feedback for the next pandemic, a conversation with Dr. Deborah Birx, Chair of IVI’s Global Advisory Group of Experts

Dr. Deborah Birx, a world-renowned medical expert and American household name, started her career as a bench researcher trying to understand host pathogen interactions. She’s fascinated by sophisticated feedback loops, and she describes the immune system as one of the most sophisticated: physically precise with […]

Building up a global workforce for vaccine manufacturing

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in national health systems as well as the lack of equitable and sustainable global health infrastructure, resulting in mass preventable deaths, new variants, and extreme consequences to the economy.   Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, speaks of bridging […]

The world needs more vaccines against cholera: IVI’s partnerships to increase supply where they’re needed most

The world is facing a dire shortage of vaccines against cholera, a vaccine-preventable infectious disease associated with poverty and displacement. With climate change spurring extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, and droughts, forcing migration and obstructing access to safe water and sanitation, outbreaks of […]

How assessing bacteria in the environment can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases | A conversation with Eric Darko, recipient of the KNUST-IVI Collaborating Center Student Fellowship

Eric Darko, the first recipient of the KNUST-IVI Collaborating Center Student Fellowship, is passionate about finding tools and solutions to increase access to safe water and sanitation and control the spread of infectious diseases.   Eric Darko is from Kumasi, Ghana, where he received his […]

Toward vaccine equity and self-sufficiency: Meet our fellows from NVI Thailand

Earlier this year, IVI and Thailand’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI) signed a Definitive Agreement to strengthen our longstanding and varied partnership. In addition to pursuing mutual vaccine R&D interests and opportunities, this agreement founded a fellowship program to further encourage collaboration.   Today, we meet […]

People at the forefront of cholera vaccination

Cholera, an ongoing pandemic that has persisted for over a century IVI conducts large-scale vaccination programs at cholera endemic hotspot areas of Ethiopia   There's a pandemic that has continued to afflict humanity for over 100 years. Cholera, which first emerged in 1817, is still […]

Reflections on Year 4 of IVI’s Thailand HPV Single Dose Impact Study

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women around the world, and nearly all cases are due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. While there are several vaccines available to prevent HPV, less than 15% of women are fully vaccinated and coverage is even […]

IVI goes to Sweden

It’s official: the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) will open a European Regional Office in Stockholm, Sweden this year. This new office marks IVI’s first expansion since the founding of its headquarters in Seoul, Korea in 1997 as a UN treaty-based international organization.   With its […]

IVI to operate training courses for WHO global biomanufacturing training hub in Republic of Korea

March 29, 2022   The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted the landscape of vaccine discovery and development. The scientific community demonstrated an extraordinary ability to innovate and collaborate, developing new vaccines within a year of identifying a new pathogen, new drugs and monoclonal antibodies within months, […]

Reflecting on 25 years of IVI with Dr. Richard Mahoney

Dr. Richard Mahoney, who first helped lead the formation of the Children’s Vaccine Initiative and later the establishment of IVI, was on the ground since Day 1 to set up the fledgling international organization and articulate its vision. We had the pleasure of catching up […]

Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the International Vaccine Institute

The COVID-19 pandemic was a blunt and universal reminder of the health and social imperative of vaccines. While vaccines may have typically been considered a childhood rite of passage, the global health community was suddenly faced with the unprecedented challenge of inoculating not only hundreds […]

COVID shows preparedness is marathon

We are pleased to share a joint statement issued by Dr. Joris Vandeputte, President of the International Alliance for Biological Standardization (IABS) and Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI on the implications of vaccine platform technologies for global public health.   COVID SHOWS PREPAREDNESS IS […]

2021 Year in Review

As 2021 comes to a close, IVI reflects on the work we've accomplished this year in partnership with our global network of collaborators and supporters. From partnering with over two dozen vaccine organizations in Korea and around the world to accelerate COVID-19 vaccines as efficiently […]

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2021: Accelerate vaccines. Stop AMR.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a health and development threat to all people, regardless of country, as well as to animals and the environment. That’s why we need to come together for One Health solutions—bridging human, animal, and environmental health—to preserve the effectiveness of medicines and […]

KOICA (Editorial) | COVID-19 vaccine inequity: vaccine manufacturing in Africa?

The Korea International Cooperation Agency’s (KOICA) COVID-19 Information Hub features weekly editorials from field experts who analyze and comment on a range of COVID-19-related topics, including vaccine science and the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. In her contribution, Dr. Se Eun Park, Ph.D., Research Scientist at […]

Health economics to support vaccine development, introduction, and policy action

The benefit of vaccines often focuses on health and societal benefits, highlighting the prevention of disease, disability, and death, as well as Sustainable Development Goals such as enabling the continuation of work and education, reducing poverty, uplifting economies, and achieving gender equality, among others. At […]

New Seeds: World Environment Day 2021 at IVI

Every year, World Environment Day offers a global platform for inspiring positive change. It pushes for individuals to think about the way they consume; for businesses to develop greener models; for farmers and manufacturers to produce more sustainably; for governments to invest in repairing the […]

Reflections on conducting a late-stage clinical trial in Nepal

Nepal is a signatory of the IVI Establishment Agreement, helping to found IVI as an international organization. Since then, we’ve worked with the Nepalese government, universities, and research organizations on vaccine R&D collaborations and vaccination campaigns to prevent, control, and end the spread of infectious […]

Ask a Vaccine Expert: COVID-19

IVI is developing an ongoing video series called Ask a Vaccine Expert to answer common questions related to vaccines and vaccination. How are they made? What’s the difference between them? How do they work? We’ve put out an open call for questions to find out what you want to know and […]

Accelerating Strep A vaccine development | SAVAC Stakeholders Meeting

Decreasing the burden of Strep A disease in the most in need The mission of the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium (SAVAC) is to ensure that safe, effective and affordable Strep A vaccines are available and implemented to decrease the burden of Strep A disease […]

KOICA (Editorial) | Safe and Fast Path to Herd Immunity; Consideration for Korea’s Contribution for Global Community

The Korea International Cooperation Agency's (KOICA) COVID-19 Information Hub features weekly editorials from field experts who analyze and comment on a range of COVID-19-related topics, including vaccine science and the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. In his contribution, Dr. Daniel Chulwoo Rhee, M.D., Research Scientist […]

COVID-19 and NTDs: from setbacks to a new way forward

by Raphaël Zellweger and Aerie Em The externalities of the COVID-19 pandemic In 1962, virologist and Nobel Prize winner Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet famously said, “To write about infectious diseases is almost to write of something that has passed into history.” Nearly 60 years later, there […]

2020 Year in Review

2020 was an unprecedented year in global health. A novel virus spread to all corners of the world, devastating people's lives, economies, and ways of life, and the scientific community responded with agility and partnership that will inspire vaccine research and development for years to […]

Advancing quality data and effective policies to stop AMR | World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020

Antimicrobials are an extraordinary medical advancement that have treated people against deadly infections since the early 20th century. However, an overdependence on them and widespread misuse have led to an urgent and growing global health crisis: antimicrobial resistance (AMR), when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites […]

Finland joins IVI with a flag-raising ceremony

On August 10, 2020, Finland officially joined the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) with an MOU-signing and flag-raising ceremony. Finland became the 36th member state of the Seoul-based international organization dedicated to vaccines for global health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, committing support for core operations […]

Orange Life, pro golfers donate 120 million KRW to IVI to support Covid-19 vaccine research

  Orange Life Insurance, a leading insurer (CEO: Munkuk CHEONG), has donated a total of 120 million KRW jointly with 26 professional golfers from LPGA and KLPGA through its annual golf competition to support IVI’s Covid-19 vaccine development efforts.   The donation was raised through […]

H.E. Juan Carlos CAIZA Rosero, Colombian Ambassador to South Korea, visits IVI to discuss the global response to COVID-19 and opportunities for public-private collaboration

  August 6, 2020, SEOUL, South Korea – Ambassador Juan Carlos CAIZA Rosero from the Colombian Embassy in Korea visited the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) today for an overview of IVI’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccine research and development projects, as well as past and present vaccine […]

H.E. Michael Danagher visits IVI to discuss COVID-19 vaccine development

  August 3, 2020, SEOUL, South Korea – The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) welcomed His Excellency Michael Danagher, Ambassador of Canada to the Koreas, to IVI headquarters today to discuss developments in COVID-19 vaccine research as well as ongoing efforts to sustain programs for long-existing […]

‘Present and Future of Vaccine Development’ Seminar series: Pathogenesis and host immunity in acute model of macaques infected with SARS CoV 2

July 30, 2020, SEOUL, South Korea — We were pleased to welcome Dr. Jung Joo Hong, Director of ABSL-3 at the National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology for a seminar on the suitability of macaques as a non-human primate model […]

Planning a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial at pace with a pandemic

How COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials currently underway around the world may be the blueprint for future clinical trial designs   The team meets at 8:30 AM every morning for a daily “huddle.” All conversation revolves around a whiteboard filled with due dates, action items, pressing […]

COVID-19 vaccine being developed at unprecedented speed

By nature, COVID-19 vaccine development is different from previous projects — Dr. Sang-Hwan Seo, Research Scientist & Lab Manager at IVI, explains why:   Since a couple of months ago, signs have been posted outside of IVI’s biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facility saying that COVID-19 […]

Genexine consortium’s Covid-19 vaccine acquires approval for clinical trails in Korea

Originally published in Dong-A Science June 11, 2020   The new candidate COVID-19 vaccine ‘GX-1,’ which is being developed by the Korean biotech company Genexine, has been approved for phase 1 and 2a clinical trials in South Korea. It is the first time that a […]

IVI Fact-Checks: COVID-19

There is an abundance of resources online and elsewhere related to COVID-19, and it’s important to stay informed on the latest and most accurate facts. Refer to your local and national authorities on the most up-to-date recommendations and restrictions, and touch base with the WHO’s Advice […]

Present & Future of Vaccine Development seminar series: The architecture of SARS-CoV-2 genome with Prof. V. Narry Kim

May 22, 2020, SEOUL, South Korea — For our first lecture in our ‘Present and Future of Vaccine Development’ series of 2020, we welcomed Professor V. Narry Kim from Seoul National University to present on the SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) genome and its transcriptomic architecture. […]

How IVI is confronting schistosomiasis in Madagascar

As we globally recognize the first ever World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, we take this opportunity to specifically raise awareness around Schistosomiasis, a devastating Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) endemic in 78 low- and middle-income countries.   What is schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis is a poverty-associated disease caused […]

KSC holds donation ceremony for IVI to recognize major donors

On December 19, 2019, the Korea Support Committee (KSC) held a donation ceremony to present IVI with a total donation of 423M Korean won (> 365,000 USD) made possible by generous donors across industry, academia, health organizations, and individuals. Major donors and representatives from donating […]

World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2019

Accelerate vaccines. Decelerate AMR.   Every November, World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase global awareness of antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices to avoid its further emergence and spread. This year, IVI ran a social media campaign to raise awareness specifically around […]

SAG meeting held at IVI followed by second face-to-face BOT meeting of the year

On November 12, 2019, IVI’s Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) gathered at IVI headquarters in Seoul, Korea for an annual two-day meeting of project presentations, insightful Q&As, and critical engagement. Following the SAG days, the IVI Board of Trustees met for their second face-to-face meeting of […]

8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivers congratulatory remarks during IVI State Forum 2019

IVI hosted a State Forum at their headquarters in Seoul on Friday, October 11, showcasing the impact of international cooperation in vaccine research and development (R&D), and delivery in low- and middle-income countries. The Forum was attended by ambassadors and senior diplomats from 17 countries, […]

‘Present and Future of Vaccine Development’ Seminar series: Genetic Engineering of Vibrio cholerae strains to fight against cholera

  August 23, SEOUL, South Korea. In our seminar series ‘Present and Future of Vaccine Development’, we were happy to welcome our latest speaker: Dr. Dong Wook Kim from the Department of Pharmacy at Hanyang University. Based upon their insight into the genetic alterations in […]

Giving Ambassador, Violinist Lee Sang Hee holds ’16th Recital with IVI’

August 11, 2019, SEOUL, South Korea —IVI was honored to once again receive the unwavering support of professional Violinist, Lee Sang Hee & Friends -in addition to that of hundreds of concertgoers, via her annual charity concert.   ‘The 16th Lee Sang Hee Violin Recital […]

Present and Future of Vaccine Development’ seminar series: Improved vaccine for foot-and-mouth-disease control

July 26, SEOUL, South Korea. In our seminar series ‘Present and Future of Vaccine Development’, we were happy to welcome our latest speaker: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Jong-Hyeon Park, PhD., Head of the Center for FMD Vaccine Research Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. He […]

IVI, KSC hold donation ceremony for Raphas

Raphas committed to increase contributions to IVI through ‘Giving Vaccine’ campaign   From left to right: Francois Belin, COO of IVI; Prof. Park Sang-chul, President of the Korea Support Committee for IVI; Dr. DoHyeon Jeong, CEO of Raphas   July 25, 2019 – SEOUL, South […]

EuBiologics receives funding from the RIGHT Fund for the development of a cholera conjugate vaccine

      July 25, 2019 – SEOUL, South Korea. The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is pleased to announce that EuBiologics, IVI’s key partner in Korea, received a 900 million Korean won ($760,000) award from the RIGHT Fund for the development of a cholera conjugate […]

IVI exchanged a memorandum of understanding with the Armed Forces Medical Research Institute (AFMRI)

    Dr. Jerome Kim (left), Director General of IVI and Dr. Quehn Park, Commander of AFMRI   July 12, 2019 – SEOUL, South Korea. Today IVI exchanged a memorandum of understanding with the Armed Forces Medical Research Institute (AFMRI), the Korean military’s institution dedicated […]

Seminar: Towards Affordable Conjugate Vaccines: Efficient Chemistry, Affordable CRM197 Carrier Protein and Supporting New Entrants

Dr. Andrew Lees, Scientific Director of Fina BioSolutions LLC, giving a seminar at IVI   July 9, 2019, Seoul, South Korea -Dr. Andrew Lees, Scientific Director of Fina BioSolutions LLC, gave a seminar today at IVI headquarters about the road towards affordable conjugate vaccines. During […]

Seoul Women’s University Prof. Yeonhee Lee gives talk on ‘Culture Collection of Antimicrobial-Resistant Microbes’ at IVI Seminar

Prof. Yeonhee Lee gives talk on ‘Culture Collection of Antimicrobial Resistant Microbes’   July 1, 2019 – SEOUL, South Korea. Prof. Yeonhee Lee, PhD, a professor at Seoul Women’s University and President of the Microbiological Society of Korea, delivered a lecture entitled: “Culture Collection of Antimicrobial-Resistant Microbes” on […]

IVI partners with QuadMedicine to develop microneedle-based vaccines

Dr. Jerome Kim (left), General Director of IVI and Mr. Seung-Ki Baek, CEO of QuadMedicine   June 17, 2019 – SEOUL, South Korea. Today IVI exchanged a memorandum of understanding with QuadMedicine, a Korea-based biotech venture, to collaborate on the development of microneedle-based vaccines. With […]

Global push to find vaccine against devastating bug growing

  The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) carried a story on the new global push to develop the world’s first vaccine against Strep A in the wake of Wellcome Trust’s US$2.25 million grant to IVI and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. – Ed.   For most […]

KRIBB scientist Dr. Doo-Jin Kim shares his research findings in influenza vaccines at IVI Seminar

Dr. Doo-Jin Kim, Senior Researcher, Infectious Disease Research Center at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB)   Dr. Doo-Jin Kim, Ph.D., Senior Researcher from the Infectious Disease Research Center of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, delivered a lecture entitled: […]

CAPTURA project kicks off in Seoul, South Korea

  May 27, 2019, SEOUL, South Korea – Today marks the official kick-off meeting of the CAPTURA (‘Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia’) project, an international consortium led by IVI. This 2-day workshop brings together partners including […]

IVI’s Dr. Julia Lynch attends Sida Science Days 2019, Sweden

Dr. Julia Lynch and other panel members (Dr Firdausi Quadri, Senior Scientist, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b; Professor Ann-Mari Svennerholm, Gothenburg University) in discussion during the first session Development Talk at Sida Science Days 2019   IVI’s Deputy Director General of Development & Delivery, Dr. Julia […]

IVI thanks Rotarians for support at annual convention

  On May 17, IVI’s COO, Francois Belin addressed members of Rotary International District 3640 at their annual Convention in Seoul, Korea and thanked them for their important contributions. IVI’s partnership with Rotary 3640 began back in 2016 with the signing of an MOU which […]

IVI welcomes China National Biotec Group Company Limited (CNBG) delegation

  On May 16, 2019, IVI was honored to receive a delegation from China National Biotec Group Company Limited (CNBG), China’s biggest vaccine manufacturer. Led by its President, Mr. WU Yonglin, CNBG and IVI discussed possibilities for collaborating to increase the impact of CNBG’s vaccines […]

Former KSC Vice President Ms. Joanne Lee donates 50 million KRW to IVI

  Ms. Joanne Lee, former Vice President of the Korea Support Committee for IVI and former Chairperson of the IVI Fundraising Campaign Committee (2005-2006), donated 50 million KRW (US$42,000) via KSC to support IVI’s vaccine research and development. Ms. Lee, who is currently based in […]

IVI hosts Environmental Impact Assessment Workshop

  As part of IVI’s commitment to environmental protection and combating climate change, IVI hosted an Environmental Impact Assessment workshop with the Swedish consultants Goodpoint on May 7, 2019. IVI and Goodpoint are working together on the development of an IVI environmental management plan.  

WHO health economist Dr. Raymond Hutubessy addresses ‘The Full Public Health Value of Vaccines’ at IVI Seminar

Dr. Raymond Hutubessy with Dr. Vittal Mogasale, Head of IVI’s Policy & Economic Research Department   On April 29, IVI welcomed Dr. Raymond Hutubessy, Senior Economist from the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB), Initiative for Vaccine Research (IVR) at the World Health Organization Headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland, as […]

Dr. Soon-Hwan Kwon explores Human adenoviruses at IVI Seminar

  Dr. Soon-Hwan Kwon, Ph.D., Armed Forces Medical Research Institute (AFMRI), gave a lecture entitled “Analysis of adenovirus genotypes and neutralization effects between genotypes” as part of the 2019 IVI Seminar Series: The Present and Future of Vaccine Development, at IVI headquarters in Seoul on […]

Korean NIFDS scientists visit IVI

  On April 25, IVI welcomed a 6-person delegation from the National Institute of Food and Drug SafetyEvaluation (NIFDS) under the Korean Ministry of Food & Drug Safety at our headquarters in Seoul.  They visited IVI to explore potential opportunities in vaccine R&D collaboration as part of NIFDS’ efforts to improve Korea’s vaccine self-sufficiency.

World Immunization Week 2019 and our partnership for JE vaccination

  This week (April 24 – 30) is World Immunization Week 2019. On this occasion, IVI is pleased to present a feature video introducing joint efforts by international partners to accelerate the use of Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine among children across Asia.   Japanese Encephalitis […]

Experts find evidence of underfunding in rheumatic heart disease research

IVI’s Director General, Dr. Jerome Kim was a member of the team of experts that looked at the underfunding of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) research.   RHD, a long-term consequence of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus, or GAS) infection, is estimated to affect at least 33 […]

EuBiologics inaugurates 2nd manufacturing plant in Chuncheon, Korea

Dr. Baik Yeong-Ok, CEO of EuBiologics, and Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI pose together at the inauguration of EuBiologics’ Second Plant in Chuncheon, Korea on April 9, 2019.   EuBiologics, the manufacturer of Euvichol® and Euvichol-Plus® oral cholera vaccine, and an important partner […]

IVI DG gives keynote at ‘International Symposium on Epidemics Preparedness Using ICT’

Key attendees pose for a commemorative photo   Dr. Jerome Kim delivers his keynote address   IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim was invited as a keynote speaker at the ‘International Symposium on Epidemics Preparedness Using ICT’ at the Korean National Assembly on April 3, […]

Student engagement program cited by foreign school

  IVI has been featured in Seoul Foreign School’s Work Experience Program brochure. In May of 2018, eleven SFS students participated in the program with support from volunteer Dr. Silvia Kim. They learned basic techniques in cellular immunology in the IVI labs and had the […]

Korean vaccines expanding global territory

The Seoul Economic Daily published an article in Korean about the Korean vaccine industry. The article describes the growth of the Korean vaccine industry and has two favorable mentions of IVI’s role. Shown below is a translation of the article. –Ed.   Korean vaccines expanding global territory […]

Neglected Victims of Neglected Diseases

The Hankook Ilbo, a leading general daily in Korea, has published an op-ed written by IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim. He urges Korean leaders to be the voice of the neglected to support development of vaccines against ‘tropical neglected diseases.’ — Ed.   Neglected […]

Prof. Keun Hwa Lee lectures at IVI Seminar

Prof. Lee Kun-hwa gives lecture at IVI Prof. Keun Hwa Lee from Jeju National University in Korea delivered a lecture entitled ‘Epidemiology of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus’ as part of the IVI Seminar series on March 26, 2019. The seminar was sponsored by […]

IVI Director General addresses BactiVac 2nd Annual Network Meeting

IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim gives his talk entitled ‘The Challenge of Bacterial Vaccines for Global Health’ at the BactiVac 2nd Annual Network Meeting. IVI Director General, Dr. Jerome Kim delivered a talk on The Challenge of Bacterial Vaccines for Global Health at the BactiVac 2nd […]

KOICA-GDEF and IVI: a story of the fight against cholera

What follows is a story about the collaboration between the Global Disease Eradication Fund (managed by KOICA), IVI, and our partners to protect the vulnerable from a deadly infectious disease. It connects our shared mission to make a positive difference in global public health with […]

IVI BOT and SAG members at ‘Improving Global Health – A Symposium Honoring Dr. Adel Mahmoud’s Legacy’

  Several members of the IVI Board of Trustees and its Scientific Advisory Group pose for a photo at a diner held at the College of Physicians in Philadelphia on February 27, 2019 on the occasion of the ‘Improving Global Health – A Symposium Honoring […]

IVI and Yonsei University College of Medicine’s IIID to collaborate in vaccine R&D

IVI Director General, Dr. Jerome Kim (right) shakes hands with Prof. Jeon-Soo Shin from Yonsei University College of Medicine’s IIID as they exchange MOU at IVI on February 12, 2019.   On February 12 IVI exchanged a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Immunology […]

MHRP scientists give Seminar at IVI

Dr. Julie Ake (center), Dr. Sandhya Vasan (left) with IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim at IVI headquarters on January 28 IVI was pleased and privileged to welcome a delegation consisting of Dr. Julie Ake, Deputy Director, US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) at the […]

Reason for measles outbreak in “measles free” Korea

Reason for measles outbreak in “measles free” Korea By Jerome Kim, Director General, International Vaccine Institute   In 2014, the World Health Organization declared Korea “measles free” –yet, in 2019 an outbreak of measles in the country has affected 37 patients.  Similarly, the United States […]

IVI scientist gives expert commentary to Korea’s major broadcaster on measles outbreak and vaccine aversion

31 cases reported of a ‘forgotten disease’ –the measles, due to vaccine aversion SBS TV, January 15, 2019   A new measles patient has been reported in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. It is a three-year-old girl who has not been vaccinated. Experts claim that measles cases […]

IVI Director General addresses ‘neglected diseases’ in STAT News

We are pleased to share IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim’s First Opinion Editorial: “‘Neglected diseases’ are anything but neglected by the billion-plus people living with them,” which was published recently in STAT News, a major news portal in health and science. Read the article as […]

The GTFCC Marks a Year of Progress Toward Ending Cholera Worldwide

This month, partners of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) mark one year since the launch of Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030, which targets a 90% reduction in cholera deaths by 2030 and the elimination of cholera in at least 20 […]

Story of IVI’s oral cholera vaccines

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if not properly treated.  According to the WHO, there are 1.4 to 4.3 million cases […]

IVI hosts 2018 VAEIMS Training for Seven NRAs from WPRO Region

IVI’s Biostatistics and Data Management Department (BDM) is hosting a training course on the Vaccine Adverse Events Information Monitoring System (VAEIMS) on September 17-19, 2018. The VAEIMS training, coordinated by the Regional office of the WHO Western Pacific Region, will bring together seven national regulatory […]

2018 International Vaccine Industry Forum

2018 International Vaccine Industry Forum The 2018 International Vaccine Industry Forum took place September 7-8 at the Dragon City Hotel in Seoul, Korea. The event was co-hosted by Gyeongsangbuk Province, Andong City, and Rep. Kim Kwang-rim of the National Assembly, and organized jointly by IVI […]

Training course on Vaccine Adverse Events Information Monitoring System (VAEIMS)

Training course on Vaccine Adverse Events Information Monitoring System (VAEIMS) IVI, Seoul, Korea, 17-19 SEP 2018 Final Agenda (v1.4) COURSE OVERVIEW The focus of this course is to develop an understanding of the vaccine adverse events information monitoring system (VAEIMS) and medical coding of vaccine […]

IVI’s annual Member State Meeting

From left to right:  Dr. KH Kim, Ambassador at Large for Liberia; Dr. Kyung Taik Han, IVI Deputy Director General for Government and Global Affairs; Ms. Piang Chit Kim; Mr. Uddav Neupane, Embassy of Nepal; Ms. Soyeun Park, Embassy of the Netherlands; Dr. Julie Lynch, […]

Violinist Lee Sang Hee holds 15th Recital with IVI, named ‘Giving Ambassador’

On Saturday, August 25, 2018, IVI was honored to be on the receiving end of yet another generous outpouring of support by professional Violinist Lee Sang Hee, in the form of her 15th consecutive charity concert. This year’s ‘Lee Sang Hee Violin Recital with IVI’ […]

Participants of Global Health Security Agenda program visit IVI

On August 17, IVI welcomed participants of the Infectious Disease Field Management Training (IDFMT) program, which is supported by KOICA as part of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) program; as well as students from Yonsei University’s 2018 Master’s Degree Program in Global Health Security […]

IVI and partners publish letter entitled ‘Protecting children against Japanese encephalitis in Bali, Indonesia’ in the Lancet

– Mass vaccination campaign conducted by Indonesian authorities with IVI support protects nearly 1 million children from JE – Partners join forces to measure long-term vaccine effectiveness to accelerate JE vaccine’s introduction in Indonesia and other Asian endemic regions   We are pleased to announce […]

Mr. George Bickerstaff elected Chair of IVI Board of Trustees, Dr. Hanna Nohynek Vice-Chair

Mr. George Bickerstaff elected Chair of IVI Board of Trustees, Dr. Hanna Nohynek Vice-Chair     The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) today announced that Mr. George Bickerstaff, currently Vice-Chair and Board member since 2009, has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of […]

IVI joins forces with partners to support accelerated vaccination against Japanese encephalitis in Indonesian children

IVI joins forces with partners to support accelerated vaccination against Japanese encephalitis in Indonesian children – To support JE surveillance to evaluate vaccine effectiveness following vaccination of 960,000 children in Bali by the Indonesian government – LG Electronics donates diagnostic kits for 4-year post-vaccination surveillance […]

Chiang Mai University medical and health science professionals’ visit to IVI

Chiang Mai University medical and health science professionals’ visit to IVI A group of medical and health science professionals from Chiang Mai University in Thailand visited IVI on April 12, as part of an international joint program for infectious diseases led by the Seoul National University Hospital. […]

‘Vaccine investment brings 16-fold return… ; partnering with Bill Gates’

‘Vaccine investment brings 16-fold return… ; partnering with Bill Gates’ Jerome Kim, Director General, International Vaccine Institute Marking 20th anniversary of endeavors for development and delivery of vaccines such as cholera vaccine By Kim Sung-mo The Chosun Ilbo, October 10, 2017 “Investment in vaccines is […]

Borderless investment in vaccines to counter borderless infectious diseases

Borderless investment in vaccines to counter borderless infectious diseases The Kyunghyang Shinmun daily Opinion October 13, 2017 Jerome Kim, MD, Director General, International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Outbreaks of Ebola, MERS and SARS have killed tens of thousands of people around the world. Diseases like these […]

Korea’s role to eradicate AIDS

Korea’s role to eradicate AIDS By Jerome Kim, Director General, International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Maeil Business Newspaper, 2017/12/01   Today is World AIDS Day, and it has been 36 years since the first report of a cluster infections with an unusual germ, then called “PCP”, […]

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits IVI

July 28, 2017, SEOUL, KOREA – Prof. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) at Seoul National University (SNU) Research Park on July 28. The former UN chief is currently Honorary Dean of the Institute for Global Engagement […]

2023 Year in Review

IVI hosts a Cholera Vaccine Research Day on the 10th anniversary of the creation of the oral cholera vaccine global stockpile

Fostering cooperation in the ASEAN region and establishing a strong vaccine ecosystem: A conversation with NVI Fellow Nattaya Anurutphan

ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR): Equitable access to quality vaccines on an affordable and timely basis

Making the case for the use of typhoid conjugate vaccine in Madagascar: A decade-long collaboration between IVI and the University of Antananarivo

IVI-WHO Consultation on Salmonella Combination Vaccines

Dr. Richard Mahoney talks about the early days of IVI and his recently published memoir

Growing and building together for sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa

Vaccination is a community achievement: the faces of a typhoid conjugate vaccine campaign in Fiji

Vaccination towards elimination: protecting communities in Fiji’s Northern Division from typhoid